A field at the top of Portlaoise estate St Brigid’s is going to be made use of by St Francis special education school in the town.
The space has been used as a playing pitch in the past by local residents as well as the old St Paul’s/Portlaoise CBS primary school.
It’s an area owned by the council and at one stage was mentioned as a location for a small housing development.
However, it has largely been idle in recent years. A motion at last week’s Portlaoise Municipal District meeting in Laois from Cllr Caroline Dwane-Stanley called for an update on the field’s development.
Simon Walton, Director of Services in the council, responded by saying that “Laois County Council has made the lands available to St Francis School to undertake development that supports the expansion of services”.
“It is a matter for the school to develop and to progress such proposals. To that end, Laois County Council has provided a letter of consent to the school, allowing them to apply for planning permission for any emerging development proposals.”
There was a general consensus among the councillors that that area not be used for housing.
“I want to see houses being built, but I also want to see communities being built,” said Cllr Dwane-Stanley. “None of us looked for housing there.”
Cllr Stanley also added that while she has no problem with that site being made available to St Francis, she would like to see some space being kept which could be used as allotments for local residents.
“Allotments are successful all over the county. I’ve no issue if the school need the land but do they need all of it?
“It would be great if there was a piece of land that could be used by St Brigid’s for allotments. Every development should have allotments and it would benefit St Francis school as well if they could use them.”
“I’m all for that site being made available to St Francis,” added Cllr Tommy Mulligan. “It’s not for housing.
“I’d like whatever space isn’t being used by St Francis to remain as recreational and allotments can be part of that.”
“The land should be ring-fenced for St Francis,” added Cllr Marie Tuohy. “It is the only land close to St Francis and it is vital they get what they need.”
“It’s a fantastic school but they have a long waiting list. I’m delighted if they get this land because it gives them the opportunity to expand.”
“I fully support St Francis,” added Cllr Paddy Buggy, “but it’s very important that people have the opportunity to grow their own food too.”
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